What Should I Look for When Buying a Porcelain Doll as a Gift?

Choosing a gift for someone who loves dolls can feel a little intimidating—especially if you aren't a doll collector yourself.

Should you choose a particular size? Does it matter how the doll was made? What makes one porcelain doll different from another? And perhaps the biggest question of all: how do you know which doll they will love?

The good news is that you don't need to be a doll expert to choose a meaningful porcelain doll.

In fact, I believe one of the best ways to choose is to forget about being an expert and simply think about the person who will receive her.

Here are a few things I would consider.

1. Look at How the Doll Was Made

Not all porcelain dolls are created in the same way.

Some are mass-produced, while others are individually created by doll artists. If you are looking for a particularly meaningful gift, learning a little about how the doll was made is a wonderful place to begin.

My Brenda Mize Dolls are created from porcelain slip that is poured into molds. After the porcelain pieces are removed from the molds, they are carefully cleaned and prepared before being fired in a porcelain kiln at approximately 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The finishing process is also done individually. The dolls are blushed and detailed by hand, and their facial features—including the eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes and lips—are individually hand-painted.

That means even when two dolls begin with the same mold, their finished faces will never be exactly alike.

For a gift, I think that individuality matters.

You aren't simply choosing a particular doll design. You are choosing that particular face.

2. Pay Special Attention to Her Face

When shopping online, it can be tempting to look first at the dress.

I would look at the face.

Clothing certainly contributes to a doll's personality, but the face is where I believe her character truly lives.

Look closely at her eyes and expression.

Does she look sweet? Thoughtful? Playful? Serious? A little mischievous?

Does she remind you of the person who will receive her—or perhaps of someone special to them?

One of the nicest things about choosing an individually hand-painted doll is that each face has subtle differences.

Sometimes you may find yourself returning to one particular doll again and again.

Pay attention to that feeling.

She may be the one.

3. Consider the Recipient's Personality

Instead of asking, Which doll is the prettiest?, try asking:

Which doll feels most like her?

Think about the recipient's favorite colors, decorating style, interests and personality.

Someone who loves traditional Christmas may be delighted by a doll dressed for the holidays.

Someone who adores vintage clothing might appreciate a doll inspired by an earlier era.

A person who loves soft florals and pastels may be drawn to something entirely different from someone who prefers rich autumn colors or whimsical seasonal designs.

This is one reason porcelain dolls can make such personal gifts. You aren't simply selecting an object—you are matching a little personality with a person.

4. Think About Size and Display

Size is an easy detail to overlook when purchasing a doll online.

Before buying, consider where the recipient might display her.

My full porcelain dolls are approximately 11 inches tall, a size I particularly enjoy because they are substantial enough to show the details of the face and clothing while still being easy to display.

A doll doesn't necessarily need a large cabinet or an entire room devoted to a collection.

She might sit beautifully on a small shelf, in a curio cabinet, on a dresser or as part of a seasonal display.

If you know the recipient already collects dolls, it can also be helpful to consider the scale of the dolls she currently owns.

5. Look at the Clothing and Finishing Details

The clothing tells another part of a doll's story.

Look closely at the fabric, trims, accessories, shoes, stockings, hats and other details.

Do they feel appropriate to the doll?

Do they add personality rather than simply decorate her?

These small elements can be especially important when choosing a gift because they may provide the personal connection you're looking for.

A tiny coat, an old-fashioned dress, a particular fabric or even a special accessory may remind the recipient of something from her own life.

Those are often the details that make a gift memorable.

6. Understand OOAK and Limited-Edition Dolls

You may encounter terms such as OOAK and limited edition when shopping for artist-made dolls.

OOAK means one of a kind. A true OOAK doll is created as an individual piece rather than as part of an edition.

A limited-edition doll is one of a deliberately small number created around a particular theme or design.

There is no universal rule that says one is a better gift than the other.

A one-of-a-kind doll has the appeal of being completely individual, while a small limited edition can be wonderful for someone who enjoys collecting a particular artist's series or seasonal dolls.

The important thing is understanding what you are purchasing.

7. Consider Whether the Doll Has a Story

Some dolls simply catch our eye.

Others immediately make us imagine a story.

Perhaps she reminds you of Christmas at your grandmother's house. Maybe her clothing resembles something your mother wore. Perhaps she looks like the recipient when she was a little girl.

Those connections don't have to be literal.

Sometimes a doll simply creates a feeling.

And when you're choosing a gift, that feeling can be much more important than finding the "perfect" collectible.

8. Buy From an Artist or Seller Who Explains the Doll

When purchasing a porcelain doll—particularly online—I think you should be able to learn what you are buying.

Look for information about the materials, size, construction, clothing and whether the doll is individually made, one of a kind or part of an edition.

Photographs are important, too.

Since the face is such an essential part of choosing a doll, you should be able to see her clearly enough to appreciate her expression and painted details.

The more you know about a doll, the more confidently you can decide whether she is right for the person you have in mind.

9. Don't Choose a Doll Only Because She's "Collectible"

This may sound surprising coming from a doll artist, but I wouldn't choose a doll as a gift simply because someone tells you she is collectible.

Choose her because she means something.

A doll's greatest value to the recipient may have very little to do with how someone else might value her years from now.

The most treasured dolls are often treasured because of the memories attached to them.

My husband gave her to me for our anniversary.

My daughter chose her for my birthday.

She was the last doll my mother gave me.

Those stories can't be measured by a price guide.

The Best Porcelain Doll Gift Is a Personal One

If you remember only one thing when shopping for a porcelain doll as a gift, let it be this:

You don't have to know everything about dolls.

You simply have to know something about the person you're buying for.

Look for quality craftsmanship. Learn how the doll was created. Consider her size and clothing. Look closely at her face.

But most importantly, look for the doll that makes you think of someone you love.

Because years from now, the recipient may not remember every detail about the day she opened her gift.

But she will remember who gave her the doll.

And that may ultimately be what makes her priceless.

— Brenda Mize
Brenda Mize Dolls